Crops

In this strange, high CO2 world, it will become increasingly difficult to maintain open savannahs.

Thorough cleaning, protective wax treatment, and proper winter storage can extend the service life of agricultural machinery, preserve resale value, and reduce the risk of breakdowns in the next season.

This traditional curried pickled fish is a beautifully balanced dish of tender fried fish layered with sweet, tangy curry-infused onions. Made ahead and left to soak up all the flavour, it’s the perfect recipe for gatherings, celebrations, or a comforting meal served with soft bread rolls.

Looking for an easy, crowd pleasing Easter sweet? This colourful rocky road comes together in minutes, combining creamy chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy cookie pieces, all topped with speckled eggs for a festive finish. Simply mix, chill, and slice perfect for sharing.

South Africa’s current foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, which began in July 2025 and has since spread across all nine provinces is no longer just a test of the country’s biosecurity system, but of its governance.

Carel van Niekerk Jr of Piket Implements spoke to Petri de Beer about the recent hemp trials in which the company participated, and the potential for the crop in South Africa.

In line with the advancement of technology, implements, and systems in the agriculture sector, New Holland is modifying their new-generation tractors to keep pace with farmers’ needs in the future, writes Jaco du Preez.

In 2025, South Africa recorded more than 24 000 confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease across multiple provinces, threatening the livestock industry, trade, and livelihoods. In such circumstances, maintaining biosecurity and animal health is critical, and farmers need reliable tools to act swiftly and efficiently.

Variable speed drives are transforming modern irrigation by shifting control from valves to pump speed. Instead of running motors at full capacity and throttling flow, the drives adjust motor speed to match real-time crop water demand, reducing energy use, electrical stress and water hammer.

Agrico’s G3 centre pivot irrigation system is designed to adapt to the challenges of modern farming and isn’t just another ordinary water application system.

Second hand farm machinery can deliver excellent value, if you know what to look for. Western Cape equipment broker Debbie Smit gave Lindi Botha practical advice to help farmers decide when to buy new, when pre-owned is the smarter choice, and how to avoid the costly pitfalls that often catch buyers off-guard.

On Nooitgedacht farm near Kenhardt in the Northern Cape, drought isn’t a crisis – it’s a way of life. But by improving soil health, Charl Saunderson has managed to make his land more resilient and productive in one of South Africa’s toughest farming regions.

The agriculture sector is notoriously volatile, but producers can find stability using financial derivative tools. This article clearly defines and differentiates between two key instruments: forward contracts and futures contracts.

Budgeting isn’t reserved for accountants. In South African agriculture, where margins are under pressure from volatile input costs, unpredictable weather, and fluctuating commodity prices, it is an important management tool that helps farmers plan for profitability, resilience, and long-term sustainability.

Farmer’s Weekly recently had an opportunity to witness the compact, self-driving OSAM S500 PRO Multi-function Sprayer in action in a table grape vineyard in the Hex River Valley, Western Cape.

Many in the agriculture sector welcomed Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen’s 21 January announcement of the formation of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) Industry Coordination Council. The body enables farmer organisations to join a three-way partnership aimed at strengthening and supporting the national FMD response.

The new John Deere S7 Combine offers innovative improvements that help farmers get more out of every hour in the field.

Vineyard success is built from the ground up, starting with the correct planting and care of new vines. Glenneis Kriel reports on the advice of viticulturist Marko Roux on how growers can give vines the best possible start.

A farm is purchased with capital, but cash flow keeps it running. From maintenance to insurance, the cost of ownership is often higher than new buyers expect. Andreas Greeff, managing director of Vleissentraal Eiendomme, shares advice for sustainable farm management.

Malawi had a bumper tobacco year in 2025, selling more than 221 000t, up 66% year-on-year. Farmer’s Weekly spoke to the country’s Tobacco Commission and a local farmer about the industry.